The Ashlea Road Journey
Ashlea Road was created back in March 1997 when a close girlfriend of mine, Vicki Wilson and I decided a little dress shop was needed in our country town of Wingham. It was Vicki who had the brilliant idea and I had the easy decision to accept her as a business partner. From there we shared the first 6 years of the Ashlea Road story. During those early years, we made a lot of happy memories and shared great success in our growing business. It was sad to see Vicki and Brian leave the area but the time had come for them to grow their Dairy business in Tamworth. The journey on Ashlea Road has been, at times, not an easy one but I am here after 24 years and am feeling mighty proud of arriving at this point, here, WITH THE DOORS STILL WIDE OPEN FOR TRADE! I can honestly say now, I LOVE WHAT I DO! I am sure it is because I have gone through the good times and the not so good - drought, bushfires, Covid, just to name a few, that I can now feel the satisfaction and gratitude of just what went on leading up to this place of happiness! I didn’t really know my strengths until now. I have found out that I have the ability to genuinely connect with people and understand what my customer is seeking – whether it be that perfect outfit for a special occasion or whether it be a shoulder to cry on or whether it is they simply want to escape from their busy and stressful lives to browse my beautiful shop knowing that there is no pressure of having to purchase anything"I love how a customer once told me they have come to their happy place! How nice is that to hear! It is music to my ears, that this is how the customer sees and feels when in-store at Ashlea Road.
"I love how a customer once told me they have come to their happy place! How nice is that to hear! It is music to my ears, that this is how the customer sees and feels when in-store at Ashlea Road."
I also found out that I have a good eye for picking, what I think, is beautiful and different pieces for my store. When I am purchasing stock, I nearly always think of which customer will love this piece or who this dress would look beautiful on, but sometimes or maybe more often, I just love it and have to have it for Ashlea Road and hope that someone will love that piece as much as myself!
When people enter my boutique for the first time, they nearly always leave me with saying beautiful comments like “Such a beautiful store” and “I can’t believe this store is in Wingham!” and “This boutique could be leading it alongside with the big ones in Sydney or Melbourne!” These comments are what truly inspire me even more to make my boutique one of the best!
21 comments
Congratulations Marcia. You were one of the first people I met when I moved to the mid north coast five years ago. I strolled into Ashlea Road by chance on one of my discovery days. You made me feel very welcome and inclusive by encouraging me to come and try dragon boat paddling with you. We connected straight away and have remained friends ever since. You deserve every success for all your effort and kindness you share.
Congratulations Marcia on reaching this milestone, as an avid supporter I think I have made several purchases from your store in every one of those years. You are such a welcoming and gracious lady who always greets her customers with a lovely smile and some are lucky enough to get a cuddle. Your store is an asset to the Wingham community, you are always very generous to a cause, always willing to support by giving of your time to hold Fashion Parades for Taree Quota Club and the local Red Cross . Your store has a wonderful reputation and your customer base is from far and wide, I have been in your store when there are ladies that have travelled just for a day out shopping in Wingham to find that special outfit or two or three from Ashlea Road. Well Done and I hope you celebrate this occasion.
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Marcia we met for the very first time today, and I will be definitely returning from time to time to smarten up my aging wardrobe! I was lucky enough to snaffle a great bargain in my size 20 of a beautiful quality plain navy polo style top, which I found hanging on the bargain rack outside your beautiful store.
Normally I am not one for emailing in this manner but when I decided to google the name Ashlea Rd, and found your story, The Ashlea Road Journey dated 10 Feb 2020 I simply had to write. That date is my Birthday, so it is special for us both!
In my previous life I have been a 20 years shop owner survivor, so can rightly applaud all your hard work and commitment over many years. Well done you!
May you continue to be successful and spoil the Wingham and surrounding districts for many years to come.
May I continue to visit from time to time and find more bargains!
As I often tell my grandchildren, always back yourself and listen to your gut.
Warm wishes from a contended retiree, a fairly recent escapee from the madness of Sydney, happily ensconced now in the glorious paradise of Black Head.
cheers, Jill
Thank you for that personal story … I occasionally buy from you and always enjoy the visit and your welcome even if I do not buy. Nice to know you connected with Trish Bible – another lovely lady. thank you Margaret Swift